Putting clothes on pets is a trend that seems to be expanding at a startling rate but is it cute or cruel?
Pet dogs have been through it for a while, with everything from sweatshirts to berets, but it seems to be catching on for other animals , with each passing day. As ferrets become more fashionable they seem to be increasingly likely to be used as fashion models, humanized by their owners.
Now, I’m not going to argue that it doesn’t look cute but is it really necessary? Could you even argue that it’s demeaning to the ferret, denying them the right to exist in a natural state? I’ve certainly started to notice a number of Ferret Rescues, with Terms & Conditions, where clothing the ferret is strictly forbidden for this reason.
I’ve also witnessed ferrets trying to get out of their clothing, treating the garments more like burrowing toys than a way of protecting their modesty! There seems to be a slight choking risk that could come from the ferret trying to wriggle out of their clothing, if it is not well designed.
I guess the other big concern, for me, is the fact that ferrets are pretty furry to begin with. Unless it’s really cold I’d be concerned about the ferret being able to release that heat. Remember that ferrets are quite sensitive to high temperatures, and would certainly not benefit from a sweatshirt on a warm day, same as you or me.
So, in short, I can’t say I’m too keen on the whole ferret clothing thing, personally. I tend to think that humanizing animals like that is best left to Disney!
You may well disagree on that point, but please take this advice to heart. If you must clothe your ferret, please make it a short period only, in the right temperature conditions.
If your ferret will be modeling for you, perhaps the best compromise is to make sure that the clothes seem comfortable and aren’t too tight. Then, take the photos of your ferret looking cute, before returning your pet to a natural state.
What do other ferret owners think about this hot topic? Let me know.
I think ferret clothes are cute and i’ve never noticed my ferret trying to get out of his clothes
don’t worry I don’t put clothes on my ferret when the weather’s hot that’s just cruel.
Those Ferrets are super cute in their clothes!
I was never too keen with clothing on pets in general, unless it’s necessary under certain circumstances.
However, around Christmas I’m thinking of making my pet ferret a little Santa hat and possibly a sweater.
The hat is simply because I want to include my little fuzzy in the festivities of my favorite holiday, but of course if he doesn’t enjoy the hat I won’t make him wear it.
The sweater, however, isn’t because I think it would be fashionable (honestly I think it looks silly) but because the house we will be living in when Christmas rolls around this year does not have heat.
We’ll have space heaters in the bedrooms (we’ll be loading his cage with warm fuzzy blankets too), however I want to make sure he doesn’t get chilly when he ventures into the rest of the house.
All in all, I don’t see much harm in it as long as the pet isn’t being harmed and doesn’t seem annoyed… Well, no harm except maybe their dignity.